INDIANA – As summer winds down, there’s still ample opportunity to embrace the season’s vibrant energy in the Indiana Uplands.
With warm days and slightly cooler nights, now is the perfect time to dive into the exciting array of festivals in the coming weeks.
These events, from arts and crafts to music and cultural celebrations, are ideal for keeping the summer spirit alive. Whether you’re seeking family-friendly fun, a chance to discover local talent, or simply an excuse to enjoy the outdoors, this lineup of must-attend festivals has something for everyone before the season fades away.
Here’s a glimpse of the summer festivals still on the calendar in the Uplands:
April-October: Free Fourth Friday Festival and Art Walk, April-October
Nashville, Brown County
Since the early 1900s, artists have traveled from near and far to capture the natural beauty and life in the rolling hills of Brown County. Today, the county remains home to artists who carry on the tradition and galleries that showcase the beautiful art of the past. The Free Fourth Friday Art Walk happens each month from April through October. Plan to stroll through the arts village in Nashville as you enjoy refreshments, live music, and the unique art pieces in each gallery. Participating galleries will stay open late for visitors. You will even be able to see art in action as some galleries will have demonstrations! Once you finish your stroll, go to the historic Brown County Playhouse for the Free Fourth Friday Festival to hear live music of all genres performed by impressive local and regional musicians. Both events are free.
June-September: Mondays on Main
Linton, Greene County
Summertime in Linton means once a month, food trucks, bounce houses, and vendor booths fill Main Street for the family-friendly community event on Mondays on Main Street. Each event has a theme, too!.. Eat a savory meal from Fat Daddy’s BBQ food truck and wander through booths selling local art, produce, and more! Kids will surely enjoy burning some energy jumping in bounce houses, too. Check out the Facebook page on Mondays on Main Street for more information and future dates.
June-December: Downtown Shop and Sip
Jasper, Dubois County
Mark your calendars for the third Wednesday of each month for fun-filled nights in Downtown Jasper! Heart of Jasper’s Shop and Sip begins on Wednesday, June 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. on the Downtown Square. Each month, you can enjoy a delightful evening of shopping and dynamic live music and stroll through the Social District with delicious drinks from participating establishments, including the iconic Astra Theatre.
Aug. 18-24: ChamberFest Brown County
Nashville, Brown County
ChamberFest Brown County is more than just a music festival—it’s a celebration of the deep connection between music, nature, and community in the heart of the Indiana Uplands. Held in the charming art colony of Nashville, this festival adds a touch of classical music to an area already rich with artistic expression. From the renowned Bean Blossom Bluegrass Festival to the Fingerstyle Guitar Competition, Brown County’s vibrant musical scene is the perfect setting for ChamberFest, where world-class classical performances meet the serenity of nature.
Aug. 25: Indiana Toy and Comic Expo
Bloomington, Monroe County
Put on your favorite costume or your beloved cosplay and join the fun at the Indiana Toy and Comic Expo in Bloomington. Dive into a vibrant world filled with amazing comics, incredible art, and unique action figures. Whether you’re a seasoned collector or a pop culture fan, there’s something for everyone at this Expo in the Indiana Uplands. Spend the day exploring booths packed with treasures, meeting fellow enthusiasts, and enjoying panels and activities celebrating your favorite fandoms.
Aug. 31-Sept. 1: Fourth Street Festival of the Arts and Crafts
Bloomington, Monroe County
For nearly 50 years, Bloomington’s juried fine art and craft festival has offered an impressive showcase of talented artists from both the local and nationwide. The 48th annual festival will showcase 125 gifted artists, presenting various artistic expressions, such as 2D art, ceramics, glass, jewelry, painting, photography, sculpture, and woodwork. In addition to meeting and interacting with the artists, visitors can explore community booths and take in performances on the music and spoken word stage. Whether you’re looking to appreciate, purchase, or immerse yourself in the art, this festival has something for everyone.
Sept. 12-14: Monroe County Fall Festival
Ellettsville, Monroe County
Spend a day and make a memory at this year’s Monroe County Fall Festival in the Indiana Uplands! Enjoy a tenderloin or some BBQ from one of the many food vendors. Don’t forget the lemon shake-up! Craft vendors will have booths set up selling unique gifts. Two different stages will offer live music and more entertainment all weekend! A fun weekend will be had by all, with inflatables, bounce houses, and the festival’s parade taking off on Saturday.
Sept. 13-15: Holland Community Fest
Holland, Dubois County
Known as “A Town in Bloom” for its name and ties to tulips, Holland, Indiana, is set to celebrate its vibrant community before summer ends with the Holland Community Fest. The weekend will be packed with activities, including various food booths, a craft and farmers market, a kid zone, a beer garden, live music, the Tulip Trot 5K, a kid run, Dutch games, an ice cream-eating contest, and much more. Join in the festivities, and don’t let the chance to visit the iconic Holland Windmill pass you by—it’s sure to make your experience a “wind”erful one.
Sept. 14: Bloomington PrideFest
Bloomington, Monroe County
Thousands of people will come together at the annual Bloomington PrideFest to celebrate LGBTQ+ lives and stand in solidarity with the entire community and its allies. This event, held on the iconic Kirkwood Avenue in downtown Bloomington, offers a space to find support, love, resources, and more. Stay tuned for further details.
Sept. 14: Black y Brown Arts Festival
Bloomington, Monroe County
Celebrate the vibrant diversity of the Indiana Uplands at the Black y Brown Arts Festival (ByB), a dynamic event dedicated to showcasing African, African-American, Hispanic, Latinx, Asian, Pacific Islander, and Native American creative arts. This festival highlights local talent and fosters community through visual and performance art. The festivities start with a free, family-friendly arts market at the Switchyard Park Pavilion starting at 10 a.m., featuring various food vendors, community art activities, and informative booths. Following the market, the Switchyard Park Amphitheater will host an electrifying live performance by various groups and bands. Come to experience and celebrate the rich tapestry of cultures and artistic expression that make Bloomington and our region unique.
Sept. 14-15: 20th Century Chevy Car Festival
Washington, Daviess County
Start your engines and cruise to Washington for the 46th Annual Car Show and Cruise hosted by 20th Century Chevy. The weekend kicks off on Saturday with the ever-popular cruise through the streets of Washington. After the cruise, rev up your evening with a performance by “Small Town,” one of the best John Mellencamp tribute bands, at East Side Park. Satisfy your hunger with tasty treats from food vendors. Then, shift gears and ride to the Sunday car show featuring a high-octane “Cacklefest” of roaring engines, a silent auction, and food trucks. Don’t miss the grand finale—a golf cart and trailer giveaway at the end of the award presentation.
Sept. 20: Friday Night on the Square
Salem, Washington County
Before summer ends, Salem’s beautiful historical square will come alive with the annual Friday Night on the Square. The event transforms the square into a bustling hub where people stroll through craft vendors, enjoy delicious fare from food trucks, and savor beer and wine as live music fills the air. Families can enjoy fun activities, making it an event for everyone. Local stores around the square will also be open, offering even more shopping opportunities in this vibrant celebration of community and summer’s final days.
Sept. 20-22: Block Bash
French Lick, Orange County
Watch in awe as talented artists from across the country chisel out stunning wood and sand creations at Block Bash in Orange County, from lions and tigers to intricate signs and benches. Hosted by Bear Hollow Wood Carvers, this event in the Indiana Uplands will surely be a blockbuster. Sip on a refreshing drink from the beer and wine gardens while you stroll through the artist marketplace, where you’ll find creativity in every medium. Food trucks will serve tasty bites in downtown French Lick, and live music will keep the party rocking all weekend at the Social Tent. It’s an event you won’t want to miss.
Sept. 21: Scotland Festival
Scotland, Greene County
For nearly six decades, the Scotland Festival in Cady Grove has been a cornerstone of the small Uplands community, offering a vibrant array of free entertainment and activities that draw visitors from near and far. This beloved tradition is where families and friends gather to enjoy a day brimming with live music performances, an impressive quilt show, pedal tractor pulls, and a captivating art show showcasing local talent. The festival also features a diverse selection of food and craft vendors, ensuring there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you’re a longtime resident or a first-time visitor, the Scotland Festival promises a day of fun, connection, and celebration in the heart of the Uplands.
Sept. 21: Fiesta del Otoño
Bloomington, Monroe County
Celebrate National Hispanic Heritage Month Fiesta del Otoño. This lively event in the Uplands promises a festive day filled with educational, recreational, cultural, and artistic activities that highlight the rich traditions of the Hispanic/Latino community! Over 30 agencies will be present, offering valuable information and services tailored to Bloomington’s Hispanic/Latino population. This event is free, allowing everyone to come together and enjoy the vibrant culture and community spirit that make the Uplands special.
Sept. 20-21: Autumn Music Festival
Eckerty, Crawford County
For over a decade, the Schwartz Family Restaurant Autumn Music Festival has been a beloved tradition in Crawford County, uniting the community for a weekend of live music, pumpkin picking, hayrides, fireworks, parades, and mouthwatering Amish-style food made from scratch. This annual event showcases outstanding local music acts, a captivating magic show, and over 20 vendor booths offering a variety of goods. The festival is the Schwartz Family Restaurant’s way of giving back to the community and sharing their passion for live music. Best of all, admission is free.
Sept. 21: Ferdinand Folk Festival
Ferdinand, Dubois County
Experience the Ferdinand Folk Festival, where families can enjoy live music and art in an eco-friendly setting while discovering more about the environment and wellness. Various food and beverage vendors will offer delicious drinks and treats. Dance and sway to the sounds of folk musicians like Sam Morrow, the Hammer, and the Hatchet, Borrowed Time, and Arianna and the Bourbon Britches! Bring the whole family for a magical day of music, art, environment, and food.
Sept. 21-22: Apple Butter Festival
Spencer, Owen County
Discover more than just apple butter at downtown Spencer’s annual Apple Butter Festival. This vibrant community event showcases a delightful array of local art and craft vendors and food booths serving up mouthwatering BBQ, cinnamon rolls, ice cream, and various other treats! As you stroll around the courthouse square, you’ll have the chance to browse over 90 unique vendors, each offering one-of-a-kind treasures and crafts. Enjoy a day of festive fun, flavorful foods, and fantastic finds at this cherished Uplands event! Don’t forget the apple butter!
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